Top San Diego Sightseeing Tours in 2026

Take in the sunshine, sand and surf from your saddle as you cruise along the Pacific with one of your local expert guides. See why La Jolla truly is the "Jewel" of the sea and experience our local marine life including protected reefs, California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals. Check out the "Locals" surf spots, hidden beaches and other historical sites along this 2 hour unforgettable ride.

While San Diego may be best known for beaches and sunshine, the city does have a darker side. Delve into San Diego's haunted history tour through Old Town. Hear tales of gamblers, gunslingers, and other shady characters whose spirits are said to live beyond the grave, and be on the lookout for paranormal activity as you visit graveyards, historic buildings, the Campo Santo Cemetery, and the grounds of the Whaley House—considered one of the most haunted homes in America.

Discover some of San Diego’s most incredible marine wildlife with the help of a local guide who knows the water like the back of their hand on this small-group boat tour. Try your luck spotting whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more while you enjoy the smooth ride on a former military boat with life jackets provided for your safety.

Make the most of San Diego's natural beauty by exploring it with a guide who knows the area well. Add a guided meditation to your hike to enhance your experience, or skip it if meditation isn't your thing. A small group size offers you a more zen nature walk without the crowds.

Hop on an electric scooter with your guide and explore the heart of San Diego's beauty, Balboa Park, during this 1.5-hour tour. First up, snap some pics at the stunning botanical building and lily pond. Then, cruise by the San Diego Zoo and make a pit stop at the Spanish Village Arts Center. Your journey won't be complete without getting a glimpse of the iconic Morton Bay Fig Tree and a ride down the El Prado.

Explore San Diego’s mountains, desert, and backcountry on a self-guided scenic driving tour from Escondido to Julian via Palomar Mountain and Borrego Springs. This 152-mile route takes you along some of the best backroads in Southern California, with GPS-triggered audio guiding you to overlooks, historic sites, and hidden stops along the way. Climb to the summit of Palomar Mountain to visit the famous Palomar Observatory, then descend into the desert landscapes of Anza-Borrego. Along the way, you’ll spot Borrego Springs’ iconic metal sculptures, sweeping valley views, and roadside viewpoints worth stopping for. The route finishes in the historic town of Julian—perfect for a slice of its famous apple pie. This flexible, self-paced tour lets you explore on your own schedule. Allow a full day to take in viewpoints, small towns, and optional short hikes like Borrego Palm Canyon. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection if you plan to stop and explore.

5 hour private wine tasting tour of the wineries in North County San Diego. This is a very unique tour as most people head to Temecula. North County wineries are very good and produce some lovely wines. The tour itself will be approximately 3 hours the other 2 hours will be the drive time from downtown to Escondido and back to downtown and also the drive time between wineries. You will see some very picturesque scenery of the Mountains in North County and all the beautiful wineries along the way. It’s a very enjoyable tour.

San Diego is renowned for its tombstones and tacos, and this unique tour combines food and history for a well-rounded sightseeing experience. Get your fiesta started in San Diego on a food and walking tour through historic Old Town. Visit some of the district's finest Mexican restaurants to sample tasty dishes, tequila cocktails, and hear mariachi music. Get insider tips from your guide about authentic Mexican cuisine and other great places to visit on this fun tour.

Discover the history and charm of Coronado Island on this self-guided audio walking tour. As you explore at your own pace, you’ll learn about the island’s origins, visit iconic landmarks, and hear stories about the people who helped shape this coastal gem. Featuring a blend of local insights, hidden details, and historical storytelling, we think you'll learning something new whether you're a visitor or a local San Diegan.

Make the most of your weekend with a 2-hour brunch cruise through San Diego Bay. Capture prime views of the city skyline and harbor from a luxury yacht, and round out your morning bliss with bottomless mimosas and our brunch menu service includes breakfast favorites, vegetarian options, and so much more. Indoor seating. Listen to our live entertainment as the attentive crew constantly top off your glass. Shouldn’t weekends always be like this?

Enjoy a thrilling new way to explore San Diego Bay—and enjoy speed, splashes, and spins along the way—on this high-speed jet boat tour. As you race along the scenic waterway, spot landmarks including the USS Midway, Coronado Island, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, and the city skyline. Then, hang on as your captain takes your boat into power slides, 360-degree spins, and other high-octane maneuvers.

Ride in a luxury vehicle to Balboa Park for a private tour of this National Historic Landmark District of San Diego. Explore the 1,200-acre (485-hectare) cultural icon with your own personal guide and customize your 2-hour itinerary with your choice of sights, including complimentary admission to the Spanish Village Art Center; Botanical Garden, Rose Garden and Cactus Garden; and Timken Art Museum. Pass by numerous museums and hear informative commentary about the park’s history and architecture. Bottled water and snacks are provided.

Swap the crowded bus tours for the stress-free alternative of a self-drive tour. You don’t have to worry about getting lost as a smartphone app has GPS playback, with offline functionality and turn-by-turn instructions. Along the way, listen to commentary about the city’s Spanish colonial history and pass by key landmarks, such as SeaWorld San Diego, Balboa Park, and Presidio Park.

Experience the scenery of downtown San Diego from across the water after you explore the Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway, and Seaport Village on a fun, electric, open air GoCar ESport by Arcimoto. Then cruise around the highlights of Coronado, the San Diego gem where you'll find pristine beaches, resorts from Hollywood's golden era, and a lively scene of boutiques and eateries. For more than 2 people (1 car), place separate bookings.

Discover San Diego independently by mini speedboat and mini car with 2- to 4-hour rental. Hit the town (and water) solo or with a friend. Whether you’re on land or in the water you have the freedom to explore at your leisure. Recorded commentary and GPS guidance inside the car enable you to explore the city stress-free. The sightseeing route takes you past Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter, and more.

A boat ride in San Diego Bay offers the perfect vantage point from which to view the city’s Skyline. This luxury sailing adventure on a 40-foot yacht lets visitors take in the sights in comfort and privacy, the perfect activity for those seeking an extra special addition to their San Diego trip.

Explore San Diego’s iconic parks, from Balboa to Petco, and go on to Hillcrest by GoCar. There are loads of places to see, including the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, and the Maritime Museum. You’ll be provided with maps and helmets, so you just need to hit the streets and enjoy.

Take in the highlights of San Diego Bay during a sightseeing tour by amphibious vehicle. Travel on both land and water, starting on the streets of Seaport Village and rolling down Harbor Drive alongside San Diego Bay. Transition into the water after departing Seaport Village. Cruise past the SeaWorld and Vacation Isle, experiencing the best of maritime San Diego on this fun and informative tour.

See for yourself why La Jolla has earned a reputation as one of San Diego's most gorgeous and high-profile locales on an afternoon sightseeing tour. Travel from downtown San Diego to the upscale coastal enclave known for its stellar seaside views and rowdy sea lion community, plus extravagant Spanish-style mansions and famous residents. Browse the luxury boutiques of La Jolla Village, explore the marine life of a legendary cove, and take in views of the coast from a mountaintop lookout.

Explore the whole island of Coronado without having to do any walking today. Instead, have fun riding through the streets on an electric scooter with your guide. Check out the historical side at the Hotel Del, and visit the beach, too. Your guide will take photos throughout, which you can have at the end of your tour.

Explore San Diego the fun and flexible way in a GoCar guided by a talking GPS. The easy-to-drive car is yours for the entire day, so you can go at your own pace as you zip around to highlights like Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, the Maritime Museum, Old Town, and Ocean Beach. There's no need for guidebooks or maps, as a talking GPS leads the way so you can focus on the sights.

Explore San Diego’s coastline in your own car with GPS-triggered audio that plays automatically as you drive, combining directions with local stories, history, and recommendations. Start at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and follow the coast through La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach to Cabrillo National Monument. Stop whenever you like for beaches, photos, scenic viewpoints, food, or a break. Along the way, see highlights including the Torrey Pines Gliderport, La Jolla Cove, Mount Soledad, and Sunset Cliffs while hearing local stories, history, and recommendations. This flexible, self-paced tour lets you explore on your own schedule, whether you want to stop frequently or enjoy the drive straight through. For the best experience, plan to start earlier in the day to avoid heavier southbound traffic. And don’t forget, one purchase covers everyone in your vehicle.

Just over an hour from San Diego, Julian sits at an elevation of 4,226 feet and offers a charming mountain escape, with a rich gold rush history, delicious apple pies, and stunning scenery. Take a stroll down Julian's historic Main Street on this self-guided audio tour as the echoes of mining pioneers mingle with the sweet smell of apple pies. You'll get a bird's-eye view of town from atop the cemetery hill as you hear stories about the lives of some of Julian's early residents. You'll also discover how this once bustling mining town transitioned to the charming mountain escape that it is today.

Venture south of the border from San Diego to explore the Mexican border city of Tijuana in a safe and engaging way. Tijuana can be somewhat daunting for tourists, but a local guide shows you around, from historic landmarks like the Tijuana Arch and Avenida Revolucion to shopping hotspots like the El Popo market, where you can pick up handmade Mexican souvenirs.